As a full-stack React developer and a university student, my MacBook is the cornerstone of my productivity. From coding complex projects to managing coursework, it's my all-in-one powerhouse. To keep everything efficient and seamless, I've curated a set of tools, apps, and extensions that help me stay organized and work smarter.
Over time, I’ve had friends and coworkers ask about my setup—what I use, how it helps, and why I chose it. So, I decided to create this blog to share my workflow with you! Whether you're a developer, student, or just someone looking to optimize your tech setup, I hope you'll find inspiration here to make your own system even better.
Note: There are no affiliate links—just my honest recommendations for tools and apps I love using.
Let’s dive in!
Table Of Contents
Apps I Use
1. Arc Browser (Free)
One of the standout tools in my workflow is the Arc Browser. It's not just a browser—it's a productivity companion designed with creators, developers, and designers in mind. Here’s why it’s become a game-changer for me:
Winning Features
Hidden Tab Bar and Sidebar
As a developer and designer (or maybe just a picky person 😅), I can't stand seeing dozens of open tabs cluttering my view. Arc hides the tab bar and sidebar when you're working, letting you focus on the task at hand without distractions. This minimalist approach gives me the full screen to preview websites during development—a lifesaver for staying in the zone.Screen Capture
Say goodbye to clunky screenshots and awkward edits! Arc’s built-in screen capture tool lets me effortlessly grab just the portion of the screen I need. It’s perfect for creating polished previews for pull requests (PRs) without accidentally capturing my podcast’s picture-in-picture thumbnail in the background. The full-screen capture option also boasts a beautiful, intuitive UI.Boosts
Imagine tweaking the design of your favorite websites to suit your style or workflow. Arc’s "Boosts" feature lets you customize how sites look and function, adding a personal touch that enhances usability.Spaces
Forget tab groups—Arc takes organization to the next level with Spaces. I can create separate spaces for work, school, entertainment, and personal projects, keeping everything neat and uncluttered. Switching between contexts is seamless, making multitasking feel effortless.Customizability
Arc empowers users to tailor their browsing experience. From aesthetics to functionality, nearly every detail can be adjusted to fit your preferences.Beautiful UI
Last but not least, Arc’s user interface is sleek, modern, and visually pleasing. It feels intuitive and inspires productivity—exactly what I need in my daily workflow.
2. Warp Terminal (Free)
Warp is a next-generation terminal that’s fast, efficient, and packed with features like command previews, team collaboration tools, and true editability. Its modern UI and productivity features make it a joy to use, whether I’m managing servers or running commands.
Here’s why Warp has become an essential part of my setup:
Winning Features
Command Previews
One of the standout features of Warp is its ability to preview commands before executing them. This helps me double-check my commands and avoid errors, saving time and effort in the long run.Team Collaboration Tools
Warp takes terminal collaboration to the next level with features that allow me to share terminals and commands with teammates. This is incredibly helpful when troubleshooting or working on shared server setups.Modern UI
Unlike traditional terminals, Warp offers a sleek and modern UI. It’s visually appealing and easy to navigate, which makes using the terminal more enjoyable, especially for extended periods.True Editability
Warp allows me to treat my commands like text—no need for complicated shortcuts to navigate, select, or delete parts of a command. I can freely click, select, and edit the command like a normal text editor. This removes the frustration of traditional terminals where selecting or modifying commands is cumbersome.Speed and Efficiency
Warp is designed to be incredibly fast, providing an efficient experience when running commands or managing multiple servers. Its quick response times and seamless performance make it a joy to use.
3. VLC Media Player (Free)
I honestly cannot stand the default QuickTime Player on my MacBook—it's just too basic and clunky for my needs. What I needed was a reliable, tried-and-true media player that was straightforward, easy to use, and packed with customization options right out of the box. Enter VLC Media Player.
VLC has become my go-to for all media playback needs, and here’s why:
Winning Features
Lightweight
VLC is incredibly efficient and doesn’t hog system resources, even when running heavy files. It works seamlessly, without slowing down my MacBook or interfering with other tasks.Wide Format Support
Whether it’s audio, video, or even obscure file types, VLC handles it all. It supports every media format imaginable, so I never have to worry about compatibility issues.Customization Options
Out of the box, VLC offers tons of ways to tailor the experience. From interface themes to playback tweaks, it gives me full control over how I interact with media
4. VMware Fusion (Free)
Ideal for testing applications in different environments. I use it to run virtual machines seamlessly, allowing me to simulate multiple operating systems without additional hardware.
Download VMware Fusion
5. iTerm2 (Free)
My terminal of choice for its split panes, custom profiles, and extensive theming options. It’s highly customizable, making it a favorite for developers who spend a lot of time in the terminal.
6. Notion (Free)
When it comes to project tracking, note-taking, and task management, Notion is my one-stop workspace. It’s the perfect tool for organizing both my schoolwork and development projects, helping me stay on top of everything from deadlines to ideas.
I don't use it just for work—it’s also great for personal use. I’ve used it to create:
- Anime watch lists
- Old movies to rewatch lists
- Travel planners
And honestly, the possibilities are endless. The beauty of Notion lies in its flexibility. Whether you're managing tasks, tracking progress, or just brainstorming, Notion adapts to your needs.
7. Figma (Free)
A collaborative design tool I use for wireframes and prototypes. Its simplicity and real-time collaboration features make it essential for UI/UX design.
8. Visual Studio Code (Free)
The heart of my development workflow is Visual Studio Code. It’s my number one code editor, hands down. When it comes to writing code, VS Code provides everything I need to stay productive and efficient.
VS Code has become my go-to development tool, and here’s why:
Winning Features
Extensive Marketplace of Extensions
One of the best things about VS Code is its huge library of extensions. Whether I need support for a new language, debugging tools, or a productivity boost, there’s an extension for almost everything. It’s easy to add the exact features I need to enhance my coding experience.Theming Capabilities
VS Code’s theming options allow me to personalize the editor to fit my style. From color schemes to custom themes, I can create a visually comfortable workspace that makes coding more enjoyable and reduces eye strain.Powerful Debugging Tools
The built-in debugging tools in VS Code are second to none. With features like breakpoints, step-through execution, and variable inspection, it makes finding and fixing bugs faster and easier.Easy-to-Navigate UI
The user interface of VS Code is clean, intuitive, and minimalistic. Whether I’m working with complex files or multi-window setups, the layout and navigation are simple to understand and efficient to use.
9. Obsidian (Free)
Also one of my newest additions, and I’m already hooked! I love Notion, but Obsidian takes note-taking to the next level. It’s a powerful tool that functions as a second brain. With its markdown-based system and extensive plugin library, it’s perfect for linking ideas and organizing knowledge.
Here’s why I’ve made Obsidian a part of my setup:
Winning Features
Markdown-Based System
Obsidian’s markdown system is incredibly versatile, allowing me to format and structure my notes in a simple yet powerful way. It’s perfect for organizing complex ideas and maintaining clean, readable notes.Linking Ideas and Knowledge
One of Obsidian’s standout features is its ability to link notes together easily. I can create a web of connected ideas, making it easy to track concepts and insights across multiple notes. This has been invaluable for organizing both development learnings and personal notes.Extensive Plugin Library
The free version of Obsidian comes with a fantastic range of plugins, extending its functionality even further. Whether I’m customizing my workflow or adding new features, the plugin library helps tailor the app to my needs.Perfect for Schoolwork and Development
I use Obsidian to track everything from my schoolwork to development learnings. Its flexibility and organizational capabilities make it ideal for managing different aspects of my life and keeping everything in sync.
School Essentials
1. Microsoft OneNote (Free)
An excellent tool for taking and organizing lecture notes is Microsoft OneNote. As a student, keeping track of important details is crucial, and OneNote has been a game-changer for me. It’s been my go-to note-taking app since my very first year, and it has worked flawlessly across all my devices.
OneNote has become my trusted companion for lecture notes, and here’s why:
Winning Features
Seamless Syncing Across Devices
OneNote’s ability to sync notes in real-time across my phone, laptop, and other devices ensures that I never lose track of important details. Whether I’m on campus or at home, my notes are always with me, perfectly updated.PDF Annotation
The ability to annotate PDFs directly in OneNote is a major feature I use daily. Whether it’s a lecture slide or a textbook chapter, I can highlight, underline, and add comments to my readings—all in one place.Notebook Organization
Organizing content into notebooks helps me keep my notes neat and categorized. Whether it’s separate notebooks for each subject, project, or class, OneNote’s organizational structure allows me to quickly find exactly what I need.Cross-Platform Accessibility
Having OneNote on both my phone and laptop makes it easy to switch between devices and keep my workflow consistent. Whether I’m taking notes on the go or refining them at home, it’s always easy to access my work.
2. Timetable (Free)
Keeps my academic schedule in check. It’s simple but effective for planning my days around classes and study sessions. Since staying on top of deadlines and lectures is crucial, this app has become indispensable for me. It includes a premium version but the free version works just as well.
Here’s why I rely on Timetable:
Winning Features
Efficient Schedule Management
Timetable makes it easy to organize and visualize my classes, study sessions, and other important events. The clear and intuitive interface helps me quickly see what’s coming up.Customizable Notifications
I love the customizable notifications. Whether it’s a reminder for an upcoming lecture or an alert for a deadline, Timetable ensures I never miss anything important.Reminders and Widgets
The reminders feature is a lifesaver, ensuring I stay on top of my academic commitments. The widgets on my home screen give me quick access to my timetable, helping me plan my day more efficiently.
Tools for Productivity
1. CopyClip (Free)
A clipboard manager that saves time by keeping a history of everything I copy. Perfect for coding and research, as it ensures I never lose a snippet of important information.
2. Raycast (Free)
A new addition to my workflow, but boy, is it amazing! Raycast is a productivity powerhouse. It streamlines my workflows with customizable shortcuts and extensions, making repetitive tasks a breeze. It’s like Spotlight, but tailored for power users.
Here’s why Raycast has quickly become an essential part of my setup:
Winning Features
Customizable Shortcuts
Raycast allows me to set up personalized shortcuts that speed up my workflow. Whether it’s launching apps, running scripts, or navigating files, I can do it all in a snap.Powerful Extensions
Even with the free version, Raycast offers a great selection of extensions that integrate with my favorite tools and services. I can perform a variety of tasks, like searching files or managing tasks, all within the app.Efficiency and Speed
Raycast is incredibly fast, letting me access what I need in just a few keystrokes. It’s like having a supercharged version of Spotlight that’s tailored to my exact needs, without compromising on performance.
3. Rectangle (Free)
Effortless window management. With just a few shortcuts, I can organize my workspace and boost efficiency. Its snap-to-grid functionality is especially useful for multitasking.
Browser Extensions
1. AdGuard Ad Blocker
Blocks intrusive ads for a smoother browsing experience. Essential for keeping focus while working online.
2. Apollo Client DevTools
Essential for debugging GraphQL queries and mutations. Makes it easier to optimize data fetching and schema design.
3. Color Picker - Eyedropper Tool
Quickly grab color codes for design projects. Great for matching colors directly from designs or websites.
4. CSS Peeper
A simple tool to inspect CSS styles on websites. Ideal for understanding and replicating design patterns.
5. CSS Viewer for Google Chrome
Another lightweight extension for CSS inspection. Complements CSS Peeper for quick styling checks.
6. Detailed SEO Extension
Analyze on-page SEO metrics to optimize web projects. Useful for ensuring best practices in web development.
7. GraphQL Network Inspector
Tracks GraphQL requests and responses directly in the browser. Speeds up debugging and performance tuning.
8. LastPass: Free Password Manager
Keeps all my passwords secure and accessible. One of the most reliable tools for password management.
9. Lighthouse
Google’s tool for performance and accessibility audits. Great for ensuring websites meet modern standards.
10. React Developer Tools
Debug and inspect React component hierarchies. A must-have for any React developer.
11. Responsive Viewer
Test web designs across different screen sizes. Saves time in ensuring designs are fully responsive.
12. uBlock Origin
Lightweight ad blocking for a faster browsing experience. Keeps the web clean and distraction-free.
Conclusion
This setup keeps me productive and efficient as I navigate both development and academia. From browser extensions for React debugging to tools like Notion for task management, each piece plays a key role in my workflow. What’s essential in your setup? Let’s compare notes!
If you're curious about how I’ve optimized my VSCode, customized Arc for a smoother workflow, or tailored Warp and iTerm for maximum productivity, let me know in the comments!
Cover photo by Paul Esch-Laurent on Unsplash
Top comments (2)
What is the point of having Notion, OneNote, and Obsidian on the same list? This list really seems like you ask AI to make a list of productivity tools and you posted it here. Also Arc has a serious security risk that I have not heard if they have corrected yet.
How do you manage using two terminals? I love iTerm but the pros of Warp seem interesting enough to check out. So I am genuinely curious how you make use of the two and not just one over the other.